The North West Department of Education (DoE) warned that contractors are taking too long to complete repair work to storm-damaged schools in the province.
The North West DoE reported that 60 schools across the province sustained damage from strong winds that swept through the province on September 5, 2026.
Dr Desbo Mohono, MEC for education in the province, fired a salvo at contractors who do not complete infrastructure projects within agreed timelines. Mohono emphasised the importance of improved coordination, accountability and adherence to project schedules to ensure that learners and educators benefit from quality school infrastructure without unnecessary delays.
Contracts will be terminated
Mohono said a developers forum will be established to monitor progress on the construction of schools. She emphasised that all emergency projects, as well as projects damaged by storms, should be concluded by the end of October 2026.
She said the department is intensifying efforts to accelerate the delivery of school infrastructure by engaging directly with the Departmental Infrastructure Units and contractors. She said the engagement focused on the progress of ongoing projects and challenges affecting delivery. She said the projects have been categorised into three areas: management of contractors, which deals with storm damage and maintenance; new and replacement projects; and storm and emergency damage projects.
“Contractors are taking far too long to complete schools. Going forward, I will terminate the contracts of contractors who fail to complete projects within the agreed timelines. When I arrive at a school and find shoddy workmanship, I will not hesitate to take action, including having defective work demolished and redone,” Mohono said.
No tolerance on corruption
Mohono also raised concerns about instances where one contractor is awarded multiple infrastructure projects, particularly in a province where many people are in need of employment opportunities.
“Officials are employed and paid to do their work. There is no reason why contractors should be expected to pay money to officials in order to have their payments processed. We will not tolerate corruption or the extortion of contractors. Any official found engaging in such conduct will face the consequences,” Mohono warned.
She noted a trend where the same contractors are being awarded multiple projects without creating opportunities for other contractors. She said that eventually, that person fails to complete all those projects.
“Our local people have the capacity to do this work. We must give them opportunities to participate, grow and improve their level of expertise and capacity,” Mohono said.
Mohono reiterated that the department will improve oversight of infrastructure projects and hold all parties accountable.
Recently, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) North West Provincial Whip, Sylvia Sithole, called for the building of climate-resilient infrastructure to become an integral part of planning for the future of education.
